Description: The European Union has heavily criticized the ongoing protests in Albania over a proposed project that could endanger maritime and coastal environment part of the EU Natura 2000 regulation. Albania is entering the closing stages of its EU accession talks, where Chapter 27 falls under the environment and climate change regulations. Prime Minister Edi Rama remained defiant continuing to support the project for its economic benefits. Protesters demand transparency from their government and oppose endangering the vital environment. The project is led by President Trump’s son in law, Jared Cushner, who through his company Affinity Partners, plans to develop a luxury complex in the Vjosa – Narta protected area. Albania’s Environment Minister, Sofjan Jaupaj, stated that all development of the project has been suspended and an environmental impact assessment has been initiated. SPAK, Albania’s anti – corruption prosecutor also stated that an investigation has been initiated to provide the government with a transparency assessment of the investment capital.
Impact: EU’s criticism, combined with the growing popularity of the protests and the two recently initiated investigations, likely position Prime Minister Rama in a precarious position to choose between EU accession talks and the development of the controversial project. Rama has defied critics, however, evidence demonstrates that the project’s financing, conceptualization and development are highly suspicious and potentially illegal. The region for the project is designated as a vital and critical ecological system which would fall under the Natura 2000 EU regulation once Albania joins the Union, however, continuing to defy EU regulations and spearheading economic development under controversial conditions could likely endanger Albania’s accession to the EU and Rama’s standing as Prime Minister. The protests are likely to continue in the short to mid – term or unless the initiation of the investigations which would effectively suspend development.